From Japan to your delivery address
Importing goods from Japan to the Netherlands? Nextport arranges sea freight, air freight, customs clearance and delivery. From collection in Japan to handling after arrival: we agree what your shipment needs. One dedicated contact keeps you informed.
Read more about importing goods to the Netherlands.
How should your goods travel from Japan?
Start with the size of your shipment and the date you need it. A full container, shared container space or air freight can lead to different collection, handling and delivery plans. We compare the options for your supplier’s location, cargo and budget.
FCL for larger shipments
A full container can suit larger orders or goods you want to keep together. Share your cargo dimensions and loading requirements. We plan the sea freight and the agreed transport before and after the sailing.
Explore FCL sea freightLCL for smaller volumes
A few pallets or boxes may travel as LCL, sharing container space. Allow for consolidation in Japan and unpacking at destination. We compare the complete cost and schedule with the other options.
Explore LCL sea freightAir freight for urgent cargo
When a delivery deadline is important, air freight may be suitable. We assess the shipment using its dimensions, weight and handling requirements, including collection and onward transport where agreed.
Explore air freightWhat does importing from Japan cost?
Look beyond the sea or air freight rate. The total depends on your cargo, collection point, route, timing and agreed delivery terms. Check which services the quote includes and which charges are payable separately.
- Collection and export handling in Japan.
- Sea or air freight and applicable surcharges.
- Arrival charges, release and customs clearance.
- Delivery, unloading or storage where agreed.
- Import duties, import VAT and any other applicable levies.
- Cargo insurance or inspection-related costs where applicable.
Send us your shipment details for a clear quote covering the agreed services and charges. Duties depend on the goods classification, customs value and origin; the departure country alone does not determine the tariff.
Documents and customs clearance
Before departure, send the documents that identify your goods and the agreed transaction:
- A commercial invoice with a clear description, value and currency.
- A packing list with quantities, dimensions and weights.
- Your EORI number and importer details.
- The agreed delivery terms, named place and delivery address.
- Any required permits, certificates or product documents.
We coordinate customs clearance using the shipment information and transport document, such as the bill of lading or air waybill. Check the applicable EU product requirements before booking; customs clearance does not replace that check.
Shipping from Japan does not automatically mean Japanese preferential origin. A reduced duty under the EU–Japan agreement requires the goods to meet the origin rules and the claim to be properly supported, for example by a valid statement on origin or substantiated importer’s knowledge. Ask your supplier about this before departure.
For used vehicles, also arrange the Japanese vehicle export documents with your supplier. Send the purchase documents and chassis or VIN details for the clearance preparation.
More about customs clearanceYour shipment from Japan, planned from start to finish
- Share the cargo details. Tell us what you are importing, where it is collected and when it will be ready. Include your required delivery date.
- Agree the route and scope. We compare transport options and discuss collection, arrival handling and delivery in one quote.
- Prepare the documents. We review the transport and customs information with you and identify what is still needed.
- Follow the arrival plan. Your dedicated contact updates you on the expected arrival, release and the next arrangements.
- Arrange the final delivery. We coordinate the agreed onward transport after the required releases.
The schedule covers more than the sailing or flight. Collection, handling, transfers, clearance and delivery all need time. We give an estimated plan for your shipment; capacity, inspections and departure changes can affect it.
One dedicated contact, clear communication and 24/7 availability by phone, WhatsApp and email.
In practice: vehicle shipments from Japan
For a Dutch vehicle importer, Nextport handles several container shipments each month from Yokohama and Tokyo to Rotterdam. We organise the handling after arrival and keep the customer informed about the arrival plan, release and next steps.
- Shipping line charges and release, customs clearance and coordination of the supplied documents.
- Coordination of physical customs inspections when a shipment is selected.
- Container collection from the terminal and unloading the vehicles in a warehouse.
- Storage and onward transport to the customer.
Questions about importing from Japan
Can I import a small shipment from Japan?
Yes. LCL sea freight can suit a few pallets or boxes; air freight is another option when timing matters. Send the dimensions, weight and delivery date so we can compare the complete journey.
Can you plan towards a required delivery date?
Share the date before booking, together with your supplier’s cargo ready date. We assess suitable departures and the time needed after arrival. If the proposed route does not fit your deadline, we discuss the alternatives.
Do goods shipped from Japan automatically qualify for lower duties?
No. The goods must meet the EU–Japan origin rules and the preference claim must be supported. An invoice from a Japanese seller or shipment from a Japanese port is not sufficient by itself.
Can Nextport handle a container already on its way to Rotterdam?
Contact us before arrival with the transport document, cargo details and expected arrival date. We agree the scope for shipping line release, customs clearance, collection and onward delivery. Any missing documents or releases must be resolved before collection.
Is cargo insurance included in the transport quote?
Check what has been agreed. Cargo insurance is not automatically included in every quote. Tell us if you want to discuss cover for your goods before departure.
What information do you need for a quote?
Send the goods description, package count, dimensions, gross weight, collection and delivery addresses, cargo ready date, required delivery date and agreed delivery terms. Mention batteries, special handling and any access or unloading requirements. For vehicles, also include the make, model, number of vehicles and available dimensions and weights.
Check the official EU–Japan origin guidance and the checklist for importing goods from outside the EU.
Importing from Japan? Start with a clear quote.
Tell us what you need to move and when you need it. We discuss the route, the agreed services and the next steps. Prefer to call or WhatsApp? You can reach us 24/7.
Request a quoteYour Japan shipment. One dedicated contact.
Call, email or WhatsApp. We help you plan the next step.